No worries. And yes, it's a personal struggle that comes with maintaining the site. Just like all the crazy thread titles I have to edit. Heck, the other day there was a thread titled simply, "?".
But, I've got another thread about that rant
Should I even consider buying an 05/06 TJ?
- Thread starter jeep.rookie
- Start date
No worries. And yes, it's a personal struggle that comes with maintaining the site. Just like all the crazy thread titles I have to edit. Heck, the other day there was a thread titled simply, "?".
But, I've got another thread about that rant
No worries. And yes, it's a personal struggle that comes with maintaining the site. Just like all the crazy thread titles I have to edit. Heck, the other day there was a thread titled simply, "?".
But, I've got another thread about that rant
I'll bet its titled, "!!!"
I think the TUPY casting that fixes the issue was introduced around 1999?
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/how-to-identify-0331-or-tupy-head.8112/post-117435
I don't really know.
I'd be way more worried about the previous owner than the model year, personally.
Has there been an issue presented on the forum that we, as a group, haven't found a solution to yet? OK, the driveline vibration thing. But other than that.
I think the OP should get the TJ that gives him the biggest thrill. Everything else is just time, money and effort.
Has there been an issue presented on the forum that we, as a group, haven't found a solution to yet? OK, the driveline vibration thing. But other than that.
I think the OP should get the TJ that gives him the biggest thrill. Everything else is just time, money and effort.
MountaineerTom
LJ Enthusiast, Retired USAF Weapons Loader
Supporting Member
Ride of the Month Winner
Bought my ‘06 LJ with 92,000 miles. It has the original OPDA with no issues. I had to replace the oil pan gasket about 9 months after buying it. I could see the OPDA and cam gear from below and they looked good. I have a crown OPDA in case I ever need to change it.
I had the hard 1-2 shift a couple times between purchase in June 2016 to July 2019. In July it started doing it more often. Wranglerfix seems to have that issue solved with their PCM. I put one of theirs in at almost 115,000 miles. I only have just under 400 miles but no more hard shifts since. Several others have used Wranglerfix’s PCM with more miles and no issues either. It only took about 5 minutes to replace and I didn’t even get dirty. 4 connectors and 4 bolts in an easily accessible area.
The way I see it, if the starter, alternator, radiator goes out we replace it. If/when the OPDA or PCM goes out we can replace them too. Granted, the OPDA can lead to cam gear problems, but you can check it from time to time and hopefully catch it in time.
And the fuel filler hose problem can be fixed by dropping the tank, removing the offending part (can’t think of it’s name off the top of my head), file down the little ridges and reinstall. I have this occasionally but work around it until I’m ready to fix it.
I had the hard 1-2 shift a couple times between purchase in June 2016 to July 2019. In July it started doing it more often. Wranglerfix seems to have that issue solved with their PCM. I put one of theirs in at almost 115,000 miles. I only have just under 400 miles but no more hard shifts since. Several others have used Wranglerfix’s PCM with more miles and no issues either. It only took about 5 minutes to replace and I didn’t even get dirty. 4 connectors and 4 bolts in an easily accessible area.
The way I see it, if the starter, alternator, radiator goes out we replace it. If/when the OPDA or PCM goes out we can replace them too. Granted, the OPDA can lead to cam gear problems, but you can check it from time to time and hopefully catch it in time.
And the fuel filler hose problem can be fixed by dropping the tank, removing the offending part (can’t think of it’s name off the top of my head), file down the little ridges and reinstall. I have this occasionally but work around it until I’m ready to fix it.
Last edited:
I have an 05 with an automatic. The OPDA started squeaking/chirping at 88,000 miles and I replaced it with a Crown one. I'm hoping that I'm now immune to the PCM problem. Fingers crossed.
Thanks for all the input so far. It’s good to hear from both sides of the fence. I know it’s a topic that has been beaten to death, but in the back of my mind I’m hesitant about buying my first jeep since I’m not familiar with them at all. I’m paranoid I’ll look at one and overlook something obvious that I should be aware of.
When I bought my 2005 with 52K on it last year I thought I had done some research but had not heard of the OPDA or PCM issues. I do have a manual. No issues so far!
I question whether any of us could legitimately claim that we have never done that, no matter what the individual level of knowledge.
Just do your homework, have a qualified independent mechanic check it out before you commit, and triple whatever number you have in your head for jeep + maintenance + modifications.
These threads aren't bad for me, but the rust ones are hilarious. My mechanic and I get a laugh out of what western people feel is bad rust. It is too funny. Frames can be fixed believe me. What I have seen posted is nothing. Frame repair is a way of live in Pittsburgh. People on here feel my jeep is work like $10K. That is way too funny. I could sell it so fast for $13 or $14K and probably more. Yep, it is from Pittsburgh but it sat a lot during winter is my guess. It will sit a lot during winter for me as well. Rust isn't as big of a deal as people think, but if you let it go really long, it is toast. Smart people don't let it go. I could run my TJ for 20 more years with my current frame. Just have to address it and be proactive.
Sorry about the rant, but the rust threads are funny as all get out for people in my area. EVERYTHING can be fixed and it isn't that expensive. I'll take my TJ over 90% of them on here. Sorry, but I will. It is solid and super low miles. Runs strong as all get out to the point I am questioning my gears because it just pulls hard as hell in any gear.
Chapman4266
TJ Enthusiast
lafittejeep
TJ Enthusiast
I have an 05 LJ. P.O. changed the OPDA with a Crown so no issues. I did get bitten by the PCM bug but replaced it and no issues after 11K. I wouldnt think twice about buying one especially if you can find a LJ. More room, better towing
The TJ's are ageing so anything you purchase will probably require so work. However they are all simple to work on and reliable when sorted. Parts aren't that exxy either.
Your Jeep will find you, you'll know about it when you see it. Just go and look at a few.
05 changed out OPDA at 150k with little wear...so no problems pcm was a scare but I figured with time a fix would happen ordered pcm from wranglerfix.com today. Only had po700 come up one time but I know it's coming..so now I'm set with the pcm CV coming.
Ah, so my real life experience is worth less than your anecdotal experience. Gotcha.
Do you know what instantial confirmation means? I'll explain, it means just because George Burns smokes cigars and lives to 95 doesn't mean smoking doesn't cause cancer. It's kinda how life works. Your real life experience doesn't mean the risks aren't real.
How you can not understand the basics of risk is beyond me. Your one success doesn't mean everybody can climb Mt Everest.
Similar threads
